Story ID: 235_WingsOverAsia.doc
WingsOverAsia May Come to China Soon
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Company reports on-airport and online aviation businesses are both growing China
Word Count: 680
WingsOverAsia, known by many general aviation (GA) enthusiasts for its aviation social media network, is highlighting here at ABACE 2015 its “boutique style” ground handling, flight concierge and flight support services. WingsOverAsia provides amenities in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand–a list which may grow this year to include China.

“We have received strong interest from China-based establishments to bring the WingsOverAsia brand and service-delivery concept into China, and will likely be establishing some platforms in the southwest region in 2015,” said Yeow Meng, executive and managing director, WingsOverAsia.

Currently the company provides ground and flight support services at the new private jet terminal at Malaysia’s Senai International Airport (JHB) and at Singapore’s Seletar Airport (XSP), where it’s also an authorized sales and service facility for five aircraft OEMs.

“We are a true multi-brand, one-stop aircraft acquisition and support service for private-aircraft owners,” Meng said.

At Singapore’s Seletar Airport, WingsOverAsia provides its boutique service at very competitive rates to aircraft ranging from piston-engine singles to large-cabin business jets, said Meng. “They all receive the same red carpet treatment.”

Also at Seletar, the company is designing and developing what it calls “Asia’s first integrated, multi-brand aircraft showroom, maintenance and aviation-lifestyle facility,” with more than 6,900 sq m (72,000 sq ft) of apron with runway access. This is likely to be a “project of interest” here at the show.

At Senai International Airport in Johor, Malaysia, just 18 nm northwest of Seletar, WingsOverAsia recently won a three-year contract to operate the new standalone Senai Business Aviation Terminal, which the company said will offer business aircraft a cost-effective alternative gateway to Singapore, providing hangarage, parking and VIP ground transportation.

Here at the show, WingsOverAsia’s Singapore-based Mandarin-speaking concierge executives are available to explain more about its services. Attendees (at Booth P828) can “get information on how a boutique setup like us can be nimble and flexible in constantly customizing aircraft handling services for the needs of operators seeking the tiny little touches that count for their clients,” said Meng.

Company representatives aren’t shy about addressing their social media network, either. Meng said it was established to promote the awareness and growth of private aviation across Asia, targeting executives, entrepreneurs, youths and anyone with a passion for aviation.

“We avoid competing with flying clubs and flight training in providing ab initio training services, and instead co-operate with them, referring aspiring pilots to train with them for a private pilot license,” said Meng.

Once individuals acquire a basic license, WingsOverAsia complements flying clubs and ab initio training organizations by providing advanced aircraft and avionics training, and pilot proficiency programs to members as they gain new ratings.

The company has also created an aircraft-share program to encourage more group usage of airplanes that members own individually. It played a pivotal role in the recent successful campaign to optimize the design of the general aircraft parking area at Seletar, where space is scarce, a feat accomplished in collaboration with Changi Airport Group.

Additionally, the company’s networking activities throughout Asia have eased and increased cross-border flying by private operators, as well as sharing of aviation knowledge, according to Meng. “This not only improved the safety and proficiency of private aircraft operators, it resulted in the better integration of private aircraft operators within the crowded airline operators’ environment in Asia,” said Meng, “and we can share the skies in harmony.”

For Meng and her colleagues, this ABACE marks an important milestone in the company’s history, as its on-airport and online arms grow stronger and more coordinated. “WingsOverAsia started with a dream of bridging Asian cultures and hospitality as the foundation for crafting a suite of aviation lifestyle services,” she said. “We relentlessly strive to blend global best practices and professional processes into our service-delivery methods. We are now able to deliver a truly integrated aviation lifestyle membership concept not just for individuals, but corporations as well, safely and professionally.”